RACHAEL BLACKMORE has hit her massive target of £250,000 for the Injured Jockeys Fund and the Irish Injured Jockeys.
Betfair’s ‘Rachael Blackmore Serial Winners Fund’ began at Haydock last November.
Betfair pledged to add £5,000 to the fund every time Blackmore rode a winner until the Grand National.
The bookmakers donated £100,000 at the start and the Tipperary jockey did the rest.
Blackmore earned the fund a boosted £10,000 for each of her two wins at the Cheltenham Festival.
The jockey then just missed out on riding Bob Olinger to victory at Aintree on Thursday.
She suffered interference but wasn’t able to convince the stewards that the placings should be reversed.
However, Betfair still added to the fund with a ‘justice payout’ to hit the £250,000 mark.
Blackmore rode Minella Indo to a third-placed finish at the Grand National which brought the fund to a close.
Blackmore said: “The Serial Winners Fund was an incredible initiative run by Betfair throughout the season in support of the Injured Jockeys Fund in Ireland and UK, it’s one that I am very proud to have been a part of.
“This really is a substantial donation, generously topped up by Betfair, and will support the vital work they carry out helping jockeys in all areas of their lives.”
Lisa Hancock, CEO of the Injured Jockeys Fund, added: “Coming to the Canal Turn, we thought that Rachael and Minella Indo were going to finish the initiative in the most spectacular way, but I Am Maximus had other ideas.
“It’s been a wonderful campaign for us and we are so grateful to the Betfair team for supporting us so very generously.”
The general manager of the Irish Injured Jockeys, Michael Higgins, also commented on the success.
He said: “We’re delighted to be part of the Betfair Serial Winners Fund with our UK colleagues the IJF. Thanks to Betfair for their generosity and Rachael for her winners.”
Betfair’s Charlotte Booth added: “Our team visited both Oaksey House in Lambourn and the RACE facility in Ireland and witnessed firsthand the work both charities do.
“It’s nothing short of amazing to see the services and support they provide to jockeys and the dedication of the teams.
“These are such important charities for the racing community, and I am sure this initiative has raised awareness of these great causes.”